Miss Sierra Leone USA: Advocating for the Recruitment/Retention of Girls/Women in STEM

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing well, thanks be to God! If you have been following my journey as Miss Sierra Leone USA and/or know me personally, you must be aware of my passion and advocacy for the recruitment and retention of girls and women in STEM fields. STEM stands for: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Throughout my time of service as Miss SLUSA, I have actively advocated for this personal platform of mine alongside SHERO. In this post, I plan to share my story of why I chose this platform and my personal experiences as a woman in STEM and mining.

Learning how to drive a haul truck
Ruby B. Johnson
Kono District, Sierra Leone

I have always been vocal of why Miss Sierra Leone USA is the only pageant I've ever competed in and why I choose this organization, simply for its purpose of providing an opportunity for young Sierra Leonean women in the United States to serve the diaspora through a particular platform. When I had to choose what platform I was going to advocate for as a Miss Sierra Leone USA finalist, I discussed with my mom and entire family that it needed to be something I can relate to and something I can carry on after my time of service with the crown. Being that I had already created my organization (When You Believe Foundation, Inc.) and advocating for the empowerment of girls/women, and I was already a mining engineering student, the choice was simple for me to have a platform that empowers women and advocates for them in STEM fields.

First Mine Visit in 2011
Underground Limestone Mine in Giles County, Virginia
Ruby B. Johnson

In my university and work experiences, I have dealt with being the only woman, only Black, and sometimes the only Black woman in a room. I have so many "firsts" in my mining courses and work experiences because of being woman and Black but this is something I am partly proud of. Yes, I am proud that I have stepped into uncharted territories but there's also the part of me that eagerly waits for more people like myself to occupy that space and join me. Additionally, I am sometimes viewed as rare because I am a titleholder (or "beauty queen" - a word I don't like to use) but I am in a field that is anything but girly; this confuses some people. I love it! In my opinion a woman should not always follow a particular path and she can wear many different hats, and that's why my passions do not intersect. I love that I can trade my crown for my hard hat, my stilettos for my steel-toe boots, and my sash for my reflector vest or harness. Because of this of my intersectionality, I've had opportunities to even give a lecture to the advisory board of the Mining and Minerals Engineering department at my university (Virginia Tech); it was great!

Calcite surface mine in in Hunt Valley, Maryland
Ruby B. Johnson

 As Miss Sierra Leone USA, I share a lot of my adventures while wearing the sash and crown, and I absolutely enjoy that. However, I make it a priority of mine to share some of my personal life as well as a mining engineer student/intern. This is important to me because I believe that verbally advocating for my platform is not enough, it is necessary for girls/women worldwide to see me doing what I do and what I am passionate about: mining. Over the past couple years, I've also had the opportunity to speak with girls in their classrooms, events, workshops, etc. in the United States and Sierra Leone encouraging them to pursue a career in STEM, as well as talking about my personal experiences in mining; one of my favorite things to do in life.

Doing what I love (mining) in where I love (Sierra Leone)
Kimberlite rock quarry in Koidu City, Kono District
Ruby B. Johnson

Surveying the city of Koidu
Ruby B. Johnson

During the time I worked in Kono District, Sierra Leone last year for Koidu Limited - Octea Mining, I did my very best in making my presence in the city of Koidu and nearby cities, as well as on social media known. This was very important to me because I wanted Sierra Leonean girls to see their own doing something unconventional and know that they can aspire to be whoever they want, even if it is a job that women lack visibility in (such as STEM fields). I even made sure to record and upload a video online of me during my first time working with the blasting team and igniting a blast. I recall when some of the workers at Octea would continuously stare at me in shock because they see a girl working in the quarry, and I'd talk with them and tell them that when they return home after work to encourage their sisters/cousins/daughters/wives to do the same thing I am doing. Because I am them.

Ruby B. Johnson with some of the surveyors at Koidu Limited
Kimberlite rock quarry in Kono District, Sierra Leone

There will be tough times...

There are times I struggle in my mining classes and/or work experiences and I truly do want to give up, but I actually use the negative I get from folks that say "girls/women cannot excel in STEM courses and/or professional fields" to keep me going. This is not something that is easy to do, but that motivation really keeps me going sometimes. As humans, when we don't excel as we would like in something, we naturally want to give up. Therefore, being discouraged in my classes/jobs has nothing to do with me being a woman in a STEM field, but simply because I am having a tough time comprehending or achieving the goal I want. Besides with my family or close friends, it is rather unfortunate that there have been times I just want to complain about struggling with my academic or professional life, but feel afraid that others may conclude it as a weakness, because I am a woman in STEM.

Safety First: Always Wear Your PPE!
Ruby B. Johnson

Mining Rocks (pun intended)
Ruby B. Johnson

I have had many tough semesters, but this one has been one of the most difficult for me academically. It feels like everything keeps getting harder, and lesser hours in the day. I have cried to my mom and friends, telling them of how stressed I am, and how ironic it is that I advocate for STEM but I'm overwhelmed by my own work. I'll be on the phone talking to my mom/brother/dad/grandmother telling them of how tired I am and they always encourage me to keep persevering, as well as pray for me. I am blessed to have a wonderful support system that is there for me at my trying times and grateful for their continuous love and support. I have good days and I have bad days, but I know for sure that I am where I need to be in life! Life's obstacles may come our way, but destiny always prevails. Regardless of how crazy life gets for me, these three things will forever remain true: I love MINING! I love being a WOMAN! I love STEM!

Little Woman, Big Dozer.
Ruby B. Johnson

Your credibility may be questioned...

While reading an article a couple weeks back for fun (but my current research is also related to this article), I came across a very interesting article of an interview with a South African woman who is a practicing mining engineer. In the article, one of the statements made by Wilhemina Manaso (Mine Manager at BHP Billiton South Africa) that stuck to me was "There are a lot of barriers caused by my gender; as a woman, if you’re doing well in a male-dominated industry they think you're having an affair with one of the senior managers. Every time I was promoted, they would say, 'how come you promoted her? Is she having a relationship with you?'" Besides being promoted as Ms. Manaso mentions, there are times whereby people think a woman is hired because of her sex and/or skin color, and disregard their intellect and credibility. This happens, but do not let it break you (my dear girls/women). Keep striving for excellence.

Who needs an office job, when you can be outside and get dirty???
Ruby B. Johnson

I plan to work in operations, engineering, and/or consulting in the mining industry, but my ultimate goal in the next 15 years or less is to be the CEO of a mining company. Someone that I have gotten to know of that motivates me to pursue this goal is Ms. Daphne Mashile-Nkosi from South Africa; I haven't had the opportunity to meet her in-person yet, but when I read what this woman has done and listen to her speak: I see myself in her. I always speak fondly of her on my social media accounts and if you are not familiar with her, read this article and get to know.

Survey Life
Kimberlite quarry in Koidu City, Kono District

What can we (as a society) do:

• Encourage girls, just as much as we encourage boys, to excel in STEM courses in middle and high schools, and acquire STEM degrees/certificates in college or vocational schools
• We need STEM role models, and those women must be mentors to girls and young women that aspire to be in their respective fields. We must lift as we climb.
• Parents/guardians should buy a variety of toys for their daughters besides a barbie doll; toys that make them explore their creative and technical sides

Future Mining CEO/Mining Engineer
Ruby B. Johnson

Over the past couple years that I have served as Miss Sierra Leone USA, I have gotten some messages and comments from folks via social media, as well as in-person, of how proud they are of me and that I must keep up the good work. I REALLY appreciate feedback, and I'm grateful for all of you. But in reality, I am sure there may be others that observe me in silence that I may never have the opportunity to meet or ever speak with. My dream is that I can influence as many girls and women out there to aspire for STEM degrees and jobs, even if I never get to meet or know them. Every little girl and boy aspires to be like someone in their family or on TV they want to be like when they grow up, and I hope there is a girl or boy out there that would entertain the thought and work towards being in a STEM field because of me. 

Underground salt mine in Lansing, New York
Ruby B. Johnson

For me, I did not have any women in my family or know of any woman that was in the mining field to aspire to be like BUT I was raised by phenomenal women and a family that instilled in me that I can be anything I want to be as long as I work hard and smart towards it. In a future blog post, I will share my personal story of why I chose to be in an engineering field and why mining (hint: Sierra Leone does have something to do with it). Being a woman in STEM is not always an easy journey, but it's not always difficult either. Being a woman in STEM is possible, it can be done, and has been done. My dear girls and women of the world, keep reaching for excellence and nothing less!

Calcite quarry in Hunt Valley, Maryland
Ruby B. Johnson

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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Royal Profile: Queen from Sierra Leone, Miss Hawa Kamara

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I've been very busy and trying to keep up with life, thanks be to God. Besides living out my platforms of advocating for SHERO and women in STEM, my goal as Miss Sierra Leone USA and onward is to highlight and celebrate my fellow queens and titleholders from Sierra Leone. Using my blog as a tool to thoroughly highlight our queens, this post is to get to know a beautiful titleholder and a phenomenal young lady. Ladies and gentlemen, get to know this beauty with a purpose that is using her crown for a good cause, Miss Hawa Kamara.

Presenting... Queen Hawa Kamara

Miss West Africa International 2013-2014 Hawa Kamara from Sierra Leone

Who is Miss Hawa Kamara?

Age: 23 years old
Place of Birth: Kono District, Sierra Leone
Country of Residence: Republic of Sierra Leone
Hobbies/Interests: loves going to the gym; listening to music; and reading.

Miss West Africa International 2013 Hawa Kamara

Education:
Annie Walsh Memorial School
Methodist Girls' High School

Miss West Africa International Hawa Kamara

Miss West Africa International Hawa Kamara

Pageant Experience
Miss Methodist Girls' High School
Miss Independence Sierra Leone 2010
Miss West Africa Sierra Leone 2012
Reigning Miss West Africa International 2013-2014

Miss West Africa Sierra Leone 2012 Hawa Kamara

Miss West Africa Sierra Leone 2012 Hawa Kamara representing Salone at the 2013 Miss West Africa International pageant

Miss West Africa Salone 2012 Hawa Kamara at the 2013 Miss West Africa International pageant

Hawa Kamara representing Sierra Leone at the 2013 Miss West Africa pageant

Miss West Africa Sierra Leone 2012 and Miss West Africa International 2013 Hawa Kamara from Sierra Leone

Queen With A Crown and Cause
Queen Hawa is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Girl Pikin For Betteh (Krio to English translation: "girl child must be successful"). GPFB is a gender-specific, prevention education program for girls ages 8 to 16. The purpose of this organization is to inspire and promote self love, self esteem, and decision-making skills. This organization works to inspire girls to further their education, prevent unplanned pregnancy, and teenage prostitution. In addition, Queen Hawa is the face of AFRiLOSOPHY, a fashion line that promotes the African culture.

Ebola Awareness: Miss West Africa Sierra Leone 2013-2014 Hawa Kamara

Sierra Leone's Pride: Miss West Africa Hawa Kamara

Celebrating Sierra Leone's Culture
Queen Hawa Kamara

African Pride: Queen Hawa Kamara

Statement from Queen Hawa
I am a firm believer in education. I love to preach peace. I am a really hardworking young lady. I will advice mankind to redefine their relationships with God, because we all just never know when our journey will end. Redefine our relationships with God every day.

Model: Hawa Kamara

Beautiful Sierra Leone
Queen Hawa Kamara

African Queen: Miss West Africa International 2013-2014 Hawa Kamara

Personal Remarks

A God-fearing woman, one of the things I like about Queen Hawa is her way of redefining beauty. In pageantry, one is used to seeing queens with long braids, wigs or weaves, and larger-than-life hairstyles, but this queen redefines beauty. Since I have gotten to know of her, she has always rocked her bald/low-cut hairstyle and does it so beautifully. This fashionista is an unconventional beauty that loves and lives her life the best way she can, and always has a happy countenance. Additionally, I am a little bias towards Queen Hawa because we have something in common. We share the same Alma Mater: Methodist Girls' High School. Being a product of "Honour Before Honours," it is no surprise Queen Hawa excels in many ways. Keep reaching for excellence and nothing less, Queen Hawa. You're truly a beauty with a purpose.

African Beauty: Hawa Kamara

Model: Hawa Kamara

Green, White, and Blue:
Sierra Leone's Hawa Kamara

Additional Fun Facts about Queen Hawa

• Reads every day
• 5 feet 6 inches tall
• Adviser and consultant at Miss Sierra Leone Limited
• Mentor and teacher to more than 40 youths in Sierra Leone
• Model and has been featured in several advertisements and videos
• Managing Director at Matthew's Artistic Skills For Youth Empowerment (MASYEO-SL)
• 3rd Sierra Leonean woman to win the Miss West Africa International title (there have been 4 MWA winners)

Miss West Africa International 2013 Hawa Kamara

Miss West Africa International Hawa Kamara

Smile that brightens the world: Miss West Africa International Hawa Kamara

I believe in sharing and making people smile no matter the situation they find themselves. 
- Miss Hawa Kamara, Miss West Africa 2013-2014.

Ruby B. Johnson,

Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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Miss Sierra Leone USA Attends 2014 Sierra Leonean Empowerment Network (SLEN) Conference

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing well, thanks to the Almighty. On September 13th, I attended the inaugural Sierra Leonean Empowerment Network (SLEN) conference held at Howard University in the District of Columbia. The theme of this year's conference is "Share Experience. Build Partnerships. Gain Understanding." This is my third involvement with SLEN and second time attending their event; four months ago I attended their networking mixer.

I AM SLENNING
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

My personal platform as Miss Sierra Leone USA is advocating for the recruitment and retention of girls/women in Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as advocating for SHERO. In SHERO, E is for education and O is for opportunities. Additionally, I am currently in my final year studying Mining and Minerals Engineering at Virginia Tech. Therefore, an organization such as SLEN can provide me with opportunities to network with women and men in my fields of interest which are mining, women, and the continent of Africa; also, networking with my fellow Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora and native land can help us work together in making our Salone great.

Sierra Leonean Empowerment Network Board Members
Miss Janice Williams (SLEN Co-Founder), Miss Joy Spencer (SLEN Conference Coordinator), Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson, Dr. Jaisie Stevens (SLEN Career Mentorship Coordinator), and Mr. Thomas Kaikai (SLEN Outreach Program Manager)

The co-Founders of SLEN are Mr. Lenton Davies, Miss Janice Williams, and Mr. Desmond Ellis. In his opening remarks regarding Sierra Leone's young professionals, co-founder Mr. Ellis mentioned "We need to have an opportunity now to move on from being a reactive community to being a proactive. The next wave is coming, whether it's a health care crisis or a tsunami of opportunities, and whether we like it or not. We have to be prepared to handle it." Activities of SLEN include: career mentorship, professional networking mixers, job postings, career seminars and workshops, and has a large professional database of Sierra Leoneans. The vision of SLEN is to: Establish a conglomerate of professional initiatives for the purpose of fostering information sharing, knowledge acquisition, and resource availability for career development within the Sierra Leonean community worldwide.

My favorite ladies and career women:
Miss Doris Tawiah (best friend), Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson, and Miss Heritage Sierra Leone 2013-2014 Ramzain Suma

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Mr. Moinina David Sengeh (2014 Keynote Speaker)

The conference entailed two panel sessions, group discussions, SLEN Jam Session, networking session/information sharing, and keynote address by STEM advocate Moinina David Sengeh. The first panel, titled Aspiring Professionals, was moderated by Miss Effie O. Johnson (Compliance Analyst). This panel consisted of: Ms. Munje Foh (Attorney), Mr. Salifu Kamara of World Bank, Mr. Jonelle Williams (Business Strategist), and Ms. Veralyn Williams (Journalist). These young Sierra Leonean professionals discussed their various career paths. When asked what does climbing the ladder mean to them, Mr. Salifu Kamara mentioned that to him it means breaking the barriers of stereotypes, and that "when you believe in yourself, empower yourself, inspire yourself." Business strategist Jonelle Williams stated that mentoring got him where he is today and spoke about the importance of having a mentor in one's field of interest. Overall, the panel emphasized the importance of finding mentors, going to uncharted routes, and acting like a leader.

Ruby B. Johnson and Effie O. Johnson (SLEN Conference Panel Moderator)

Desmond Ellis (SLEN Co-Founder) and Ruby B. Johnson

The second panel, titled Importance of Networking and Mentoring, was moderated by Ms. Hennither Cole (Human Resources Specialist). This panel comprised of: Ms. Mariama Jalloh-Heyward (Senior Director at KPMG, LLP), Mr. Cecil John (Architect and Computer Scientist), and Ms. Mariama Levy (CEO of Verdi Consulting). These experienced Sierra Leonean professionals discussed how networking and mentoring has impacted their careers. They discussed how one can spread the word about their craft and harnessing it to success. Ms. Jalloh-Heyward stated that mentoring is about introducing oneself, having quality conversation, and making oneself available to others in seeking knowledge. Mrs. Levy spoke about getting away from one's comfort zone and breaking away from the cycle with respect to working with individuals of a different race or sex. Besides expressing advice for traditional work settings, Mr. Cecil John spoke of the importance of social media; he states "it's about being effective with your followers. Have a digital presence and we have a responsibility to make ourselves valuable." The panelists gave several tips on networking and following-up.

Akindele T.M. Decker (SLEN Media Administrator) and Ruby B. Johnson

Ruby B. Johnson and David Moinina Sengeh

The keynote speaker was Moinina David Sengeh. In mainstream media, he is popularly known as the mentor for teenage engineering prodigy and Innovate Salone's Kelvin Doe. Born and raised in Sierra Leone, David is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the MIT Media Lab. His research in the Biomechatronics Group focuses on the design of comfortable prosthetic sockets and wearable interfaces. In addition, he is one of Forbes' 30 Under 30 in Technology for 2013, a 2014 TED Fellow, on the Wired Smart List 2013, winner of the Lemelson-MIT National Collegiate Student Prize, and has accumulated many other awards. He is the Co-Founder/President of Global Minimum Inc. (GMin), as well as owner/lead designer of Nyali Clothing; he is also a lyricist and rapper with meaningful messages. In his speech, Mr. Sengeh spoke of his inspiration for his current research on prosthetic and its connection to Sierra Leoneans that were amputated during Sierra Leone's former civil war. He spoke of the relevance of imagination and that it allows one to see beyond the horizon; he stated "imagine the future we want, then create it." Discovering our moonshot. He mentioned that his purpose for activism, Innovate Salone, and other initiatives for the growth of Africa is about action, encouraging young people that can see problems and find ways to solve them. He spoke of the problem of: having a high of curious learners but little or no resources versus high concentration of mentors and resources but little or no curious minds. He emphasized on the importance of investing in education. In closing, he states "learn by doing, asking questions, and admitting that you're wrong."

Ruby B. Johnson and David Manley

Salone Queens in Action
Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson and Miss Heritage Sierra Leone Ramzain Suma

BFF Moments
Doris Tawiah and Ruby B. Johnson

The photo below of myself and Miss Heritage Sierra Leone Ramzain Suma captured one of my favorite moments at the SLEN conference. One of the panelists in the second panel session gave a shout-out to St. Joseph's Secondary School (Convent) and Ramzain started cheering for her alma mater. As you can see from my face and action, I was not pleased. I appreciate SJSS but I will forever be proud of my alma mater, the Methodist Girls' High School. It's an intense but loving rivalry.

Miss Sierra Leone Sisterhood
Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson and Miss Heritage Sierra Leone Ramzain Suma

Juba Connection: childhood neighbors reunited!
Mohamed Kanja Sesay and Ruby B. Johnson

Overall, I thought the event was amazing and I learned a lot from folks in all works of life. I had the opportunity to meet and connect with new people, as well as see familiar faces. The group and one-on-one conversations were stimulating. As a fellow Sierra Leonean and individual in STEM, I was inspired by David Sengeh's speech and loved hearing his personal story. Congratulations to the SLEN board members on a very successful first conference, I look forward to SLEN Conference 2015!

Ruby B. Johnson

I Am Slenning. ARE YOU???
Miss Ruby B. Johnson

slenning (slehn-in) verb - to practice a professional lifestyle while exhibiting the core values of SLEN, including networking with other professionals, mentoring or being mentored, and consistently seeking ways to move up in your career field

Ruby B. Johnson,

Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

Photo credits:

Prince Zamira Photography

Halima Kamara Photography

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